All in Southern CA
Celestial Style
Summer nights bring lingering sunsets, full moon bliss, and meteor shower shows like the Perseid, currently active and peaking August 11. Check out these top places for hikes and campsites to soak in SoCal, celestial style.
VIEWWild Wonders of California
Desert, forest, city, coast—four of the Golden State’s most wild, dynamic, and resilient ecosystems—are featured in California: State of Nature, a new exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences. We’re sharing some of the best places for outdoor adventures in these ecosystems, and providing a peek inside the exhibition. Plus enter for a complimentary 2-Night Getaway on California’s “secret coast" and 4 tickets to the CA Academy of Sciences!
VIEWGlowing Summer Adventures
Brighten up your summer nights with adventures that bring some cool light! From a star-gazing campground and an upcoming Star Fest, to the silver shoreline flashes of amazing grunion fish runs, here are three fun ways to see what glows in the night.
VIEW- Sponsored
Sublime San Juan Islands
Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.
View Where to Camp in CA: Part 2
It's not easy getting the good stuff for camping, but with some planning ahead, or some luck with first come, first serves, it can be a magical experience. Here's our recommendations on where to sleep under the stars, and near the water, in California.
VIEWFourthcoming Outdoors
Happy 4th! Things are heating up, so your best bet might be to keep things close to the coast. Here are a few WS favorites that'll have you down by the shore.
VIEWOkay, Cool (Hikes, Beaches, Camps)
When the heat's on in SoCal, nature's air conditioning can help if you know where to go. From camping at the beach, to seaside strolls, and high elevation hiking and bouldering, here are a few ways to help keep your cool and have a lot of fun too!
VIEWWaterfall Summer Hikes
Some waterfall hikes are still spectacles even in early summer, especially after a snow-packing winter. From less known waterworks in the far reaches of both Yosemite and Shasta County, to a stunner in a neighboring state, here are three ways to have a waterfall start to summer.
VIEWBeachy-Keen Hikes
With summer on the horizon, coastal hikes that include beaches can be a 10 out of 10 experience. Where to go? Beach ya to it! Here are three recommendations...
VIEWSeaside Hikes, Bike Rides, and Camp Spots in SoCal
Sally sells seashells by the seashore, but where does Sally hike and bike and camp? By the sea, of course! Here are three seaside strolls and rolls that are simply spectacular ... and some have sleeping spot campsites too.
VIEWWhere to Camp and Glamp in CA: Part 1
We feel the camping vibes. Here's our first in a two-part roundup of beautiful destinations that also have camping, cabins, and glamping.
VIEWYour Long Weekend Outdoors
Disc golf by the lake, peaks less traveled, adorable farm animals, and beautiful biking to food and beer spots ... long May you relax and adventure outdoors this weekend.
VIEWBluff Yeah!
We’re not bluffing around! These three bluffside hikes deliver huge Pacific views and on-land charms—from a ranch-style rambler that’s postcard perfection at sunset, to a hidden gem leading to a less known beach. Have a bluffing good time.
VIEWWellness Waters
It’s a known health benefit to spend time in nature, and around water. Lucky for us, among the many gems of Southern California’s premier coastal setting are beautiful lagoons for hiking, kayaking, and stopping to smell the wildflowers. Find your awe at these three beautiful oases.
VIEW- Sponsored
Sublime San Juan Islands
Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.
View Flavorful Spring Strolls
Sometimes a walk in the great outdoors just goes better when food is involved. Actually, almost always. Good thing Southern California has its fill of fresh and tasty eats and drinks. Here are some top places to go this spring for some flavorful strolls with bonus beautiful scenery.
VIEWWashington State of Mind
It’s one of the West's most nature-nurtured getaways. Washington State shines in spring, and this easy, short-distances road trip explores the region's majestic Kitsap Peninsula and Tacoma. Experience electric green forests, gorgeous gardens, sublime waterfront harbors, iconic mountains, “Little Norway,” and one of the most outstanding urban parks in America.
VIEWTake a Walk on the Wild(flower) Side!
The real rainbow at the end of a really rainy winter? Wildflowers! They can paint a kaleidoscope of colors across SoCal landscapes. Some are in full form right now, so when the sun’s out, head out to any of these places that can go wild with flowers.
VIEWSpring Release Hikes
Ahhh, spring. With all of winter’s rain, the trails are super-charged. So get out and enjoy these hikes with electric green hills, blooming flowers, plus mountain and sea views.
VIEWCave In to These Spring Adventures
Before the deserts get too hot, before the wildflowers dwindle, and before the summer crowds take over, take your explorations deeper with these thrilling cave adventures.
VIEWComing Soon: Spring?
Well, let's just call any further rains a spring refresher; which can bring a real pop to the colors of nature, soon-ish. Spring it on!
VIEWBon-Anza-Borrego!
At over 640,000 acres and 500 miles of roads, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is easily the biggest in California. And it positively blooms in spring! Get there soon and take in the wild—and wildflower—scenery! These three short hikes to overlooks each offer a different perspective of this vast desert.
VIEW
Sublime San Juan Islands
Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.
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